The Strength in Showing Up: My Journey of Self-Resilience

In the grand narrative of life, there are moments when we must summon the strength to show up for ourselves, even when it means standing alone. It's a journey that I've embarked on, one that has been shaped by my experiences, my willingness to embrace my inner softy, and my hidden but fierce determination to be a force to be reckoned with. Let me take you through the importance of showing up for yourself, drawing from my own life and experiences.

Growing up, my home life was far from the easiest. Like many families, my parents grappled with their own challenges, and as a child, I often found solace in hobbies, friends, and the kindness of neighbors. These influences collectively played a pivotal role in my upbringing. I am so grateful as they filled in the gaps where my immediate family fell short and helped shape the person I was becoming.

During my school years, I was an average student, but I relished the experience. Some subjects, like English and drama, held a special place in my heart. Parent-teacher night, a source of dread for many children, was no different for me. The questions raced through my mind - What will the teacher say about me? Will I get in trouble?

However, as I grew older, something changed. I began to realize the importance of showing up for myself, even when there was no one else to do it for me. So, I took matters into my own hands. I would quietly sit outside my teachers' classrooms until they were free. "Where are your parents, Sam?" they would ask. I would simply shrug my shoulders and tell the teacher that my parents couldn't come. "I am here," I would assert. "Tell me how I am doing. How am I doing, Miss?"

The look on their faces would be a mix of bewilderment and sadness, and back then, I didn't fully understand why. Now, as an adult, I grasp the significance of what I did. The lack of parental support didn't deter me. I was a determined young girl who, somehow, still had a pocketful of sunshine during the most challenging times. I would smile and ask the teacher to provide me with a report, just as they would to my parents. I showed up for myself, and that was enough.

Fast forward to today, and I can see how those early experiences instilled in me the strength to make tough decisions in my life. In my life I have left a promising career for lateral moves, ended an unhealthy relationship, and even moved to another country to pursue my most cherished dreams. The "how" of showing up is not as important as the fact that we do show up and put our best foot forward.

If the younger me could show up at a classroom door, ready to engage in an adult discussion about her progress in junior high, the adult me can tip my hat to her and show up even bigger and stronger, even when my knees tremble.

The next time you're unsure, when you don't know where to begin, recall moments from your own life when you showed up against the odds. Those moments, when you felt small but had the courage to take a stand and show up for yourself, are when life shines down on you. I believe that in those moments, extra sparkles are scattered our way, illuminating our path as we continue to embrace the strength of showing up.

#ShowUpForYourself #StrengthInAdversity #SelfResilience